By her own admission, Isabella Fraire has played soccer "every day of (her) life since she was three years old." And she's found a way to give back something to the sport the given so much to her, while helping the community at the same time.

Fraire — a junior who plays in defense for St. Agnes — spent part of summer running a camp for underprivileged kids in the Memphis area. She also helps with under-12's in the local Olympic Development program and is well on her way to fulfilling her various coaching licenses.

"It started with my grandfather," the 17-year-old she said. "I've already gotten my F-license, my E-license, my D-license and I'm working on my C-license. The whole reason for getting my coaching license is so I can coach little kids with Collierville youth soccer.

"You do the pre-course work and then you go to Nashville for testing on a Friday and Saturday morning. Then they take you on the field Sunday and you perform a coaching seminar.

"Commitment is a big part of my routine and it's not unusual for me to commit to (something) and follow through with it. It mattered to me to go get these (licenses) and show that I'm committed to soccer all the way ... I think every coach in my life has been a role model and I want to be a role model like them."

Fraire's grandfather, Dan Baldridge, also helped her come up with the idea for the camp, which was held this summer at St. Louis Catholic Church. The family set up a nonprofit foundation that takes donations for camp funds and was able to purchase soccer balls thanks to community support.

Baldridge is the founder of Century Data.

"I wanted to do something that would make an impact on the community," said Fraire, who will return with her camp again in 2018.

"I thought about kids that don't get the chance to go to soccer camps. There are lots of kids out in the community who have never been exposed to soccer and who will never get the opportunity to go to a camp."

Fraire partnered with Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Memphis and the Jubilee Catholic Schools of Memphis to recommend kids for the camp. And it was a hit, both for the campers and for herself.

"There was this one little girl who said she had never played soccer in her life," Fraire said. "She said 'thank you Miss Isabella for ... giving me everything I need to start my soccer career. She was the cutest little girl ever and I just started crying.

"I wish I could take them home with me."

Hustle fills roster

Two former University of Memphis standouts and an ex-college star were among the 11 players whose rights were selected by the Memphis Hustle in NBA G League expansion draft.

Leading the way for the Hustle — the Gatorade League affiliate of the Grizzlies — are ex-Tigers D.J. Stephens and Adonis Thomas (Melrose) along with former BYU star Jimmer Fredette, who was the national college player of the year in 2011.

The Hustle open their inaugural season at the Landers Center in Southaven on Nov. 4 against the Sioux Falls Skyforce at 7 p.m. For more information, visit the team's website.

Bulldogs land another area standout

Make it three local standouts who will play at Mississippi State.

Fabian Lovett — a 6-5, 300-pound defensive lineman from Olive Branch — has verbally committed to the Bulldogs. He'll be joined in the class of 2018 recruiting class by Whitehaven defensive lineman Devon Robinson, who committed earlier this month and his Olive Branch teammate, defensive back Jaylon Reed.

As a junior, he had 86 tackles — including 21 tackles for loss — with three forced fumbles and a sack.

Southwind star in prestigious game

Southwind defensive end Jordan Davis has been named to play in the Under Armour All-Star game and will be presented with his jersey during a ceremony at the school on Sept. 7.

The 6-6, 240-pounder as ranked as a three-star prospect by 24/7 Sports and verbally committed to Alabama over the summer. He's the first Southwind player chosen for the game, which will take place Jan. 4, 2018 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando.

Redbirds playoff tickets on sale

In addition to seeing postseason baseball, fans will have other incentives to buy tickets for the upcoming Pacific Coast League playoffs.

Single-game tickets for Redbirds games at AutoZone Park are now on sale, starting at $9. The team will open first-round play at home on Sept. 6 and Sept. 7 with the first 5,000 fans at each game receiving a new logo Redbirds hat. Two dollar beer will also be served.

Fans can also purchase a $20 dugout specialty ticket that includes one of eight promotional items: Stubby Clapp retro bobblehead; St. Louis Cardinals final out dual bobblehead; Stephen Piscotty bobblehead; 2006 Cardinals World Series replica trophy; 1946 Cardinals World Series replica ring; Stubby Clapp half-and-half replica jersey; Redbirds new logo performance t-shirt or a Redbirds record sleeve.

The promotional item will be chosen at the time of purchase and picked up on game day.

Fans can also purchase $17 field box, $20 dugout or $24 club level seats which include access to an all-you-can eat buffet running from when the gates open at 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

U of M goalkeeper honored

University of Memphis junior Rachel Ashworth Shepard has been named AAC goalkeeper of the week after posting clean sheets in her first two career starts last weekend.

Ashworth Shepard made five saves in a 3-0 victory over Samford on Aug. 18 before following with three more in a 3-0 win over Little Rock on Aug. 20. Junior forward Elizabeth Woerner was named to the league's weekly honor roll after bagging a pair of goals against Samford.

Memphis returns to action tonight against UAB at 7 p.m. at Mike Rose.

Tigers continue career overseas

Former University of Memphis women's basketball players Ariel Hearn and Brianna Wright have signed to play for Eintracht Braunschweig, a team that competes in the second tier of Europe's professional leagues.

Hearn — who played for Arlington before transferring to Memphis from Chipola (Fla.) Junior College — was a three-time all-AAC selection. She graduated with 1,945 points, which ranks eighth all-time at Memphis, and a program-best 218 3-pointers. Wright averaged 9.8 points and 6.5 boards as a senior.

It's the first pro contract for both Hearn and Wright, who graduated from Memphis in 2016.

Meet the CA staff Tuesday

Ever wanted the opportunity to pick the brains of Geoff Calkins, Ron Tillery and the rest of The Commercial Appeal's staff? Now is your chance.

The Commercial Appeal will be hosting a "Meet the Sports Writers" gathering Tuesday at Growler's Sports Bar, located at 1911 Poplar, from 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. On hand will be columnist Calkins, Grizzlies beat writer Tillery, University of Memphis beat writers Tom Schad (football) and Mark Gionnotto (basketball) and high schools reporter John Varlas.

Tickets are free but you must register. To do so, visit the tickets page at pregame.commercialappeal.com and for more information, visit the event's Facebook page.

Sunday Sports Brunch is a weekly look at movers, shakers and newsmakers on the Memphis sports scene, from youth level to the pros. If you have an item of interest, please contact John Varlas at john.varlas@commercialappeal.com.